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Ralph Erskine
Ralph Erskine (1685–1752) was a Scottish preacher and evangelical minister whose dynamic ministry and writings significantly shaped the 18th-century Scottish church, particularly within the Secession movement. Born on March 18, 1685, in Monilaws, Northumberland, England, he was the sixth son of Henry Erskine, a Presbyterian minister, and Margaret Halcro, both of whom were exiled Covenanters who moved to England after Henry’s ejection from ministry in 1662. Raised in a devout family, Ralph studied at the University of Edinburgh, earning an MA in 1704, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dunfermline in 1709. In 1717, he married Margaret Dewar, with whom he had ten children, though only four survived him; she died in 1739, and he remarried Margaret Simson in 1741. Erskine’s preaching career began with his ordination in 1711 as assistant minister at Dunfermline, Fife, where he served alongside his elder brother Ebenezer until 1737. Known for his fervent, gospel-centered sermons, he drew large crowds with his poetic preaching style, often delivered outdoors during Scotland’s evangelical awakenings, including the Cambuslang Revival of 1742. In 1737, he joined Ebenezer in forming the Associate Presbytery, seceding from the Church of Scotland over issues of patronage and spiritual independence, and became minister of the Queen Street congregation in Dunfermline until his death. A prolific writer, he penned over 400 sermons, published as Sermons and Other Practical Works, and composed evangelical poetry and hymns like “Faith’s Plea Upon God’s Word and Covenant.” Erskine died on November 6, 1752, in Dunfermline, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose eloquence and commitment to free grace theology invigorated Scottish Presbyterianism and influenced revivalist movements. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey Churchyard.
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Ralph Erskine delivers a powerful sermon on the unwavering support and protection believers receive from God, likening Him to a faithful husband who always comes to their aid in times of trouble and distress. Despite facing accusations, threats, trials, and despair, God, as the loving husband, remains a constant source of light, guidance, and strength. Erskine emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power, even in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations, as He is always near to help and deliver His people.
The Believer's Faith and Hope Encouraged
The cunning serpent may accuse, But never shall succeed ; The God of peace will Satan bruise, Thy husband broke his head. Hell-furies threaten to devour, Like lions robb'd of whelps: But lo! in ev'ry perilous hour, Thy husband always helps. That feeble faith may never fail, Thine advocate has pray'd ; Though winnowing tempests may assail, Thy husband's near to aid. Though grevious trials grow apace, And put thee to a stand ; Thou may'st rejoice in ev'ry case, Thy husband's help at hand. Trust, though, when in desertion dark, No twinkling star by night, No ray appear, no glimm'ring spark; Thy husband is thy light. His beams anon the clouds can rent, And through the vapours run For of the brightest firmament Thy husband is the sun. Without the sun [the] mourning go, And scarce the way can find, He brings, through paths they do not know; Thy husband leads the blind. Though fire and water he with skill Brings to a wealthy land; Rude flames and roaring waves be still, Thy husband can command. When sin's disorders heavy brings, That press thy soul with weight; Then mind how many crooked things Thy husband has made straight. Still look to him with longing eyes, Though both thine eyes should fail; Cry, and at length, though not thy cries, Thy husband shall prevail. Still hope for favour at his hand, Though favour don't appear: When help seems most aloof to stand Thy husband's then most near. In cases hopeless-like, faint hopes May fail and fears annoy; But most when stript of earthly props, Thy husband thou'lt enjoy. If providence the promise thwart, And yet thy humbled mind 'Gainst hope believes in hope,' thou art Thy husband's dearest friend. Art thou a weakling, poor and faint, In jeopardy each hour? Let not thy weakness move thy plaint, Thy husband has the pow'r. Dread not thy foes that foil'd thee long, Will ruin thee at length: When thou art weak then art thou strong, Thy husband is thy strength. When foes are mighty, many too, Don't fear, nor quit the field; 'Tis not with thee they have to do, Thy husband is thy shield. 'Tis hard to strive against an host, Or strive against the stream: But, lo! when all seems to be lost, Thy husband will redeem.
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Ralph Erskine (1685–1752) was a Scottish preacher and evangelical minister whose dynamic ministry and writings significantly shaped the 18th-century Scottish church, particularly within the Secession movement. Born on March 18, 1685, in Monilaws, Northumberland, England, he was the sixth son of Henry Erskine, a Presbyterian minister, and Margaret Halcro, both of whom were exiled Covenanters who moved to England after Henry’s ejection from ministry in 1662. Raised in a devout family, Ralph studied at the University of Edinburgh, earning an MA in 1704, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dunfermline in 1709. In 1717, he married Margaret Dewar, with whom he had ten children, though only four survived him; she died in 1739, and he remarried Margaret Simson in 1741. Erskine’s preaching career began with his ordination in 1711 as assistant minister at Dunfermline, Fife, where he served alongside his elder brother Ebenezer until 1737. Known for his fervent, gospel-centered sermons, he drew large crowds with his poetic preaching style, often delivered outdoors during Scotland’s evangelical awakenings, including the Cambuslang Revival of 1742. In 1737, he joined Ebenezer in forming the Associate Presbytery, seceding from the Church of Scotland over issues of patronage and spiritual independence, and became minister of the Queen Street congregation in Dunfermline until his death. A prolific writer, he penned over 400 sermons, published as Sermons and Other Practical Works, and composed evangelical poetry and hymns like “Faith’s Plea Upon God’s Word and Covenant.” Erskine died on November 6, 1752, in Dunfermline, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose eloquence and commitment to free grace theology invigorated Scottish Presbyterianism and influenced revivalist movements. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey Churchyard.